CHRISTOPHE KAENZIG: HOW TO LIGHT A CIGAR

You now have your first cigar in your hands. This one is cut with love and you are about to light it, but be careful, it should not be done anyhow. To do this, I recommend different instruments. But before that, it is important to note a few points.

To start, you will have to toast the cigar, that is to say, light it without drawing it and burn the head gently. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle downward, bring the flame near the head of the cigar without touching it, to gently light the tip of the cigar by rotating it. The cigar should light, but should not be charred. The flame never touches the cigar, but must be located just below it.

When you toast the cigar, I recommend that you take a short break and inhale the smoke produced to taste it. Indeed, after having lit and smoked it will be more difficult to be neutral to appreciate the smell with your nose. You can toast your cigar until it's lit, then take your first paf. Others prefer to light it in part, put it in the mouth and continue to light it by pulling it.

One of the ways to light a cigar is matches. Strike your match and wait for the sulfur tip to burn before you start lighting your cigar. Otherwise, it will have a sour taste for the first draws. The match flame is relatively cold and to light the cigar it will take its time. In addition, in an environment with wind it can be difficult to light it. Another method that is used like matches is cedar wood. The wood used comes, for example, from the cedar leaf found in cigar boxes. This method is elegant and has the advantage of lighting the cigar with an element with which it binds a deep friendship.

Then come the lighters. There are two types: flame torch lighters or soft flame lighters. The torches are very practical for lighting the cigar with precision and also in an environment with wind. Unfortunately, gas runs out quickly for most models and they are relatively expensive. Soft flame lighters come close to the spirit of a zippo. We light it and the flame looks like a candle that burns quietly. It is important to note that you always need to use a butane lighter. Another gas could contaminate the taste of the cigar.

It's now time to take your courage in both hands and light that vitola you've been dreaming of for a while! One last very important point: take your time! Lighting a cigar is a ritual not to be taken lightly. A good ignition is synonymous with a great experience.

Christophe Kaenzig

(Instagram: @vitolaslover).